Solar Panel Cost Guide in Urbandale, IA (Mar 2023)
- Urbandale Solar Installation Cost: $18,537
- 25-Year Savings: $19,223
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Urbandale
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Urbandale.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Urbandale, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.77 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 9.6-kW system would cost about $18,537 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Urbandale homeowner can save about $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Urbandale that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Urbandale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,026 |
| 3 years | $-14,006 |
| 5 years | $-10,985 |
| 7 years | $-7,964 |
| 9 years | $-4,943 |
| 11 years | $-1,923 |
| 13 years | $1,098 |
| 15 years | $4,119 |
| 17 years | $7,140 |
| 19 years | $10,161 |
| 21 years | $13,181 |
| 23 years | $16,202 |
| 25 years | $19,223 |
Top Solar Installers in Urbandale
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your home.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Urbandale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Urbandale
The cost of installing a solar system in Urbandale can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Urbandale, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,770 for each additional kilowatt you need. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Urbandale average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will impact your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Urbandale know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.88 | $12,099 | $11,606 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $15,784 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $20,118 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $24,607 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $29,252 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $34,051 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $39,005 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $44,115 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Urbandale, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Urbandale?
The average cost of solar panels in Urbandale is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Urbandale?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Urbandale?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Urbandale?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.